cliff, then the fiscal abyss. the fed keeps us sort of above stall speed and then we do some structural things, would that work? >> that's -- joe, that's exactly what we're all hoping for. we hope that republicans and democrats, the congress, the administration, can enact bold structural reforms to make the economy more growth oriented. and you know, live within our means. manage our budgets. if we can do that, then the fed is building a bridge to the congress. >> you talking about the congress? >> pardon me? >> live within our means and manage our budgets? are you talking about the congress? >> well, you know, we've done it in the past. we can all be very bearish on our political system. but our political system over the long-term works. republicans and democrats have come together before, have made tough choices. if we can do it again, then bernanke's actions are not going to be for naught. they're going to be buying time for leaders in washington to take over. but if leaders in washington don't take over, then